Robert Herjavec, a globally recognized industry leader, investor, best-selling author, and cybersecurity expert, has left an indelible mark on the business world and the lives of countless individuals. For the last 14 years, Robert has been well known as one of the Sharks and executive producer of the Emmy-award-winning hit show Shark Tank. His journey to success stands as a testament to the unwavering power of perseverance and determination.
Starting from humble beginnings, Robert quickly learned the value of hard work and the importance of seizing every opportunity that came his way. Reflecting on his early years, he humbly shares the challenges he faced and the valuable lesson they imparted to him. He states, “I was 8 years old when my dad packed up our family – with just 20 dollars to his name– to leave Communist Yugoslavia and start a better life for us in Canada. We boarded a boat in Italy called Cristoforo Colombo and made our way to a new world. When we first arrived, I could speak maybe a dozen words of English. I didn’t have nice clothes or the latest toys, I didn’t go to concerts or ball games, and there were no family vacations to fill up my summers.
Did it bother me that I was missing things that other kids bragged about? Sure, it did. But it also taught me a lesson I carry with me to this day. The world owes you only one thing – and that is opportunity. My dad taught me that when you’re given a chance, it’s up to you and no one else to make the most of it – to make whatever you want of your life. I grew to accept that I would never get anything from life that I didn’t achieve on my own. There is no reward for doing nothing, and the better you perform your job, the bigger the reward that comes your way. If you don’t succeed – don’t waste time blaming others.”
Throughout his remarkable journey, Robert emphasizes the significance of having a true purpose that extends beyond the pursuit of wealth. Expressing his wish to have realized this earlier, he highlights that genuine greatness stems from finding a purpose that transcends monetary gain and centers around the intangible things of life. With conviction, he shares, “What I really value most is my family, my relationships with friends and colleagues, and the contributions I can make to both my business and the community.”
Acknowledging that fear of failure often plagues entrepreneurs, Robert bravely admits that he, too grappled with this challenge. However, he discovered that courage does not entail the absence of fear but rather the ability to take action despite its presence. Each mistake he made along the way served as a stepping stone toward personal growth and success. Embracing the learning process, he emphasizes that failure is not a roadblock but a necessary part of the journey. He explains, “Business, as in life, is a series of trial and error–failure and success. If you suppress your fear of failure and you’re open to learning something, you can realize that each time you make a mistake, you will be stronger for it. Failure can be embarrassing, but if you never try, all you will end up with is regret. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from trying.”
Balancing the demands of running a successful business, Robert emphasizes the paramount importance of prioritizing family and self-care. Despite his busy schedule, he firmly asserts that his family always remains his top priority. Robert states, “No matter how busy I get, I always make sure to take time for my family. I might not have what people call a balanced life, meaning I’m not home for dinner every day. But my kids know I’m always there for them–they know that they are my first priority, no matter what else I might be doing. Everything that I’ve achieved in my life – it only has value when I can share that with my family.”
Simultaneously, he recognizes the vital role of self-care, regularly engaging in exercise to fuel his energy and resilience. He shares, “Success is about doing it on the days when you feel like failure is just seeping out of your body. Well, guess what? You have to get up, and you have to go on those days. There are days when going for a run will be the greatest thing I’ve done that day. But it’s a win. And there are days when I need a win, no matter how small. Because the rest of my day is all about losses. Build on those wins. Little things every day.”
Looking toward the future, Robert is brimming with excitement for the trajectory of Cyderes, the global cybersecurity company he leads. As digital threats continue to proliferate, he and his team are fully committed to assisting organizations in effectively managing cybersecurity risks with simplicity and efficiency. He expresses his enthusiasm, stating, “This is an incredibly exciting time for the global cybersecurity company that I run – Cyderes. Since we completed an award-winning merger a year and a half ago, we’ve already more than doubled the size of our workforce – and we’re only getting started. I’m so proud of our team for what we’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time. With cybersecurity threats accelerating like never before, we’re focused on our mission to help the world’s leading organizations control cybersecurity risks simply, efficiently, and with ingenuity–to give our clients a digital world that is safe for them to do business.”
Robert Herjavec‘s awe-inspiring journey from humble beginnings to extraordinary success serves as a resounding reminder that opportunity exists for everyone, and it is the responsibility of each individual to seize it, surmount obstacles, and leave a profound impact. Through the powerful insight he shares and unyielding determination, he continues to motivate and inspire others to chase their dreams and achieve greatness.
